Update, Schedule, Doctors, etc

January 14, 2010

If you have yet to hear that I have esophageal cancer, I am sorry that this update is not more personal. I have been somewhat busy since I learned that I have cancer (just before Christmas) and only just found out what is in store for me. Following is an email from my wife (Terry) that she sent yesterday to her family and friends. This email sums up what is planned for the next few months. I have set up a mailing list and will try to keep you informed if you are interested.
Kind regards,
Bernie


“Hi everyone,

We spent the WHOLE day at the Hollings Cancer Center at MUSC in Charleston today. In a nutshell, here’s the treatment that Bernie will have for his esophageal Stage 3 cancer:

5 weeks of radiation and chemo at Hollings (we will stay in Charleston between Mon & Fri each week)
A few weeks of rest
Surgery of the esophagus (6 or 7 hour surgery, 1 – 2 weeks in hospital, 4 – 6 weeks recovery at home-

The surgeon is Dr. C. Denlinger (well-credentialed -- is that a word?); the chemo/psychiatrist is Dr. Chin; the radiation doctor is Dr. Sharma. Each doctor spent quite a long time with Bernie today. He also had several vials of blood drawn, a contrast CT scan, tattooing, mold, etc. for the radiation. He will have a port put in for the chemo.

Since this is a very aggressive cancer and there haven’t been many studies done, they plan to do all that is possible. They do think Bernie has a good chance of beating it because he has had few symptoms and the cancer is small. The chemo doctor says he sees about 2 esophageal cancers a week – at least the most of any doctor in SC sees. The radiation/chemo should start in about 2 weeks.

Keep the prayers coming.
Love,
Terry”

PS
Since I will be spending most of my time in Charleston during the next few months, please cut back on the email jokes, etc.
Thanks,
Bernie